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Communication and Media Studies at Aurora University

Aurora, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,728/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #516 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication and Media Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $504K $502K $468K
Earnings Multiple 4.5x 4.5x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$112,880
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,968
33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,653
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,836
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Aurora University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $30,728/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

At 4.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,653 against $30,728/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #516 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Aurora University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,728-to-$46,836 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Aurora University

A 85% acceptance rate means Aurora University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 4,021 students in Aurora, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $75,968 over four years represents a 33% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Aurora University →

Top Career Paths

Public relations managers $138,520/yr
Fundraising managers $123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Aurora University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,520) Computer Science ($51,605) Finance and Financial Management Services ($51,437) Accounting and Related Services ($50,086) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,843) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($44,614) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,282) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($44,150)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Aurora University?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Aurora University?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →